Before Millie Bobby Brown gained international recognition as Eleven in Stranger Things, she made a powerful impression in a crime drama setting. In 2014, at just 10 years old, Brown portrayed Rachel Barnes in NCIS during its 12th season, delivering a performance that stunned viewers with its unsettling intensity. This role showcased a side of Brown far different from her later sci-fi persona, establishing her talent in a chilling narrative focused on crime and psychological tension.
The Storyline Behind Rachel Barnes and Her Family
In the episode titled Parental Guidance Suggested, Brown’s character Rachel Barnes is introduced as a lively, ordinary schoolchild who enjoys dressing up, notably mentioning wearing a Harry Potter costume for three consecutive Halloweens. She walks home with a friend and his father, presenting an image of innocence. However, the episode quickly darkens when Rachel discovers her mother dead from a gunshot wound inside their home. The drama then unfolds around this grim discovery, pulling viewers into a complex investigation.
Rachel’s father, a Navy officer, is often absent due to his duties, a detail that is pivotal in building the psychological foundation of the plot. As law enforcement examines the scene, Special Agent Gibbs, portrayed by Mark Harmon, seeks to gain Rachel’s trust. In a tender interaction, Gibbs offers her popcorn and hot chocolate while helping her make a comfort fort, reflecting his own empathy shaped by personal loss.
The Shocking Twist in Rachel’s Motive
The escalating investigation reveals a startling truth: Rachel was the one who shot her mother. Her motivation is rooted in a desperate desire to have her father present in her life. Further complexity arises when it is disclosed that Rachel’s mother had consulted with a serial offender, attempting to understand her daughter’s dangerous behavior. Faced with Gibbs’ confrontation, Rachel maintains a cold and composed demeanor, chillingly asking,
Can I have another juice box?
—Rachel Barnes.
This unsettling portrayal recalls the psychological tension of the 1956 thriller The Bad Seed, which similarly explores a young girl’s violent actions against the backdrop of a frequently absent military father.
Legacy of Brown’s NCIS Role Among Early Performances
Although Millie Bobby Brown’s role in NCIS was brief, it left an indelible impact due to the character’s calculated and emotionally detached nature. Her performance was praised for its subtlety and credibility, illuminating her early potential as a versatile young actress.
Other Stranger Things cast members also appeared in notable roles before their breakout. For example, Finn Wolfhard featured in Supernatural, Sadie Sink appeared in The Americans, and Noah Schnapp lent his voice to Charlie Brown in The Peanuts Movie. Yet, Brown’s intense and chilling NCIS role remains remarkable for its disturbing depth and psychological complexity.
Why This Early Role Matters in Brown’s Career
This early, dark portrayal not only demonstrated Millie Bobby Brown’s range as an actress but also set the stage for her future success. It highlighted her ability to embody complex characters with emotional restraint, which later became a hallmark of her Stranger Things fame. The role in NCIS gave viewers a glimpse of her capacity to handle intense material, suggesting a promising trajectory in the acting world.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Millie Bobby Brown deaf in 1 year?
A. She was born with some hearing loss in her left ear and over time, she completely lost hearing in that ear. When she turned four, her family relocated to England, choosing to live in Bournemouth.
Q. Is Millie Bobby Brown deaf in one year?
A. Many people don’t know that Bobby Brown is deaf in one ear. She was born with partial hearing loss, which worsened over time. Despite these challenges, Millie Bobby Brown has overcome them and successfully advanced in her career.
